Deau XO 750ML is a premium Cognac blended from Petite Champagne and Fins Bois eaux-de-vie, bottled at 40% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Awarded a Gold Medal at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this expression represents one of the more compelling values in the XO category, drawing from eaux-de-vie aged between 10 and 15 years in Limousin oak. Quick Facts: ABV: 40% | Origin: Cognac, France | XO (Aged 10–15 Years) | Distillery: Distillerie des Moisans Production & Heritage Distillerie des Moisans operates from Sireuil in the Charente département, at the heart of France's Cognac appellation. The distillery houses twelve copper pot stills and aging cellars containing more than 1,300 casks of 350 liters each. Deau XO is composed of 75% Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie and 25% Fins Bois, all distilled from Ugni Blanc grapes (also known as Saint-Émilion) through traditional double distillation in copper pot stills. Cellar Master Christophe Gauville blends several eaux-de-vie produced through different methods of distillation and maturation, then ages them in small Limousin oak barrels for 10 to 15 years to achieve a layered, well-balanced final product. Tasting Notes Aroma: The nose opens with floral notes of jasmine and violet, giving way to dried plum, vanilla, and warm cinnamon. Subtle spice and dried fruit aromas deepen as the cognac opens in the glass. Taste: On the palate, the entry is soft and rounded, with violet and lychee meeting roasted nuts and coffee beans at mid-palate. A delicate oak influence holds everything together as the flavors build toward a rich, complex peak with layers of dried fruit and gentle spice. Finish: The finish is long and intensifying, developing into leather, cigar box, and musk. A refined elegance lingers, with the Limousin oak providing a final whisper of warmth and structure. How to Drink Deau XO Deau XO is best appreciated neat in a tulip glass at room temperature, which allows its floral and dried fruit aromatics to fully express themselves. A few drops of water can unlock additional nuance from the Petite Champagne eaux-de-vie. For cocktails, the Vieux Carré benefits from this cognac's coffee and spice notes, adding depth against rye and sweet vermouth. A classic Sidecar highlights the citrus-friendly dried fruit character. The Cognac Old Fashioned, built simply with a sugar cube and Angostura bitters, lets the oak-aged complexity stand front and center. Best For Gifting a Cognac enthusiast exploring beyond the big four houses After-dinner sipping alongside a cigar Building a home spirits collection with a quality XO at a competitive tier Hosting a comparative tasting of XO Cognacs from different terroirs Frequently Asked Questions What does Deau XO taste like? Deau XO delivers a complex profile of violet, lychee, roasted nuts, and coffee beans on the palate, followed by a long finish marked by leather, cigar box, and musk. The overall impression is refined and elegant, with a delicate oak backbone from its Limousin barrel aging. How does Deau XO compare to Hennessy XO? Both are XO-grade Cognacs at 40% ABV, but Deau XO leans more floral and fruit-forward with its 75% Petite Champagne composition, while Hennessy XO draws from a wider range of crus for a broader, more robust flavor profile. Deau XO generally sits at a lower price tier than Hennessy XO, making it a noteworthy alternative for those seeking complexity without the premium-house markup. Is Deau XO good for sipping neat? Deau XO is ideally suited for neat sipping, as its 10-to-15-year aging and Petite Champagne-dominant blend produce the kind of nuanced, layered flavors that reward slow, attentive drinking. The 40% ABV provides a smooth, approachable delivery without overwhelming heat. Where is Deau XO made? Deau XO is produced at Distillerie des Moisans in Sireuil, Charente, France, within the legally defined Cognac production region. The eaux-de-vie come from the Petite Champagne and Fins Bois growing areas, two of the six recognized crus in the Cognac appellation. What foods pair well with Deau XO? Dark chocolate truffles complement the coffee and leather notes. Roquefort or aged Comté cheese mirrors the cognac's nutty depth. Crème brûlée echoes its vanilla and caramel undertones. Duck confit provides a savory contrast to the floral aromatics. Dried figs and walnuts emphasize the dried fruit and nut character naturally present in the blend. What sizes does Deau XO come in? Deau XO is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle size. Is Deau XO worth the price? Deau XO positions as a mid-premium XO Cognac, typically priced well below the large Cognac houses like Hennessy and Rémy Martin at the XO level. For a blend of Petite Champagne and Fins Bois eaux-de-vie aged 10 to 15 years with recognized competition medals, it represents strong value within its category. Why Deau XO? The 75% Petite Champagne composition gives Deau XO a floral elegance and finesse that many XO Cognacs built from broader blends simply cannot match. Gold Medal recognition at the 2014 San Francisco World Spirits Competition validates what the liquid delivers — complexity, balance, and a finish that keeps evolving. Christophe Gauville's blending approach, drawing from eaux-de-vie produced through varied distillation and maturation techniques across twelve copper pot stills, creates a bottling with genuine depth. For anyone exploring XO Cognac beyond the familiar marquee names, Deau XO stands as a serious, award-recognized expression from a focused, artisan-scale distillery.
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